Photos: Altec Lansing Backbeat Bluetooth headset

Get a hands-on look at Altec Lansing's BackBeat 906 and 903 stereo Bluetooth headphones, announced at CES 2009.

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Altec Lansing BackBeat Bluetooth headset

January 9, 2009 10:45 AM PST

By: Donald Bell

The silicone rubber ear tips used on the BackBeat Bluetooth headset aren't intended to completely seal the ear and isolate against sound. Rather, the tips swivel to fit loosely and comfortably in the ear, making them more comfortable to wear while walking or exercising. When music playback is muted, the headphones take advantage of integrated microphones to pipe in the sound of the world around you, making it easier to carry on a conversation without taking off the headset.

Overall, I thought the sound quality and call quality were good, keeping in mind the inherent limitations of Bluetooth audio. I'd need to spend more time with them before making any conclusive descriptions of their sound quality. A lot of what you're paying for is the convenience of wireless audio, and a design that is both comfy and stylish.

Photo credit: Donald Bell/CBS Interactive

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